As happens with all big costume events or trips, it gets to be about a week out and I decide I *NEED* such-and-such new gown, and that surely it will be quick…
-
-
18th Century BigAss Caps
…one final push for Williamsburg! With The Creature wrapping up (and boy does that feel good!), I have just enough time and plenty of organza left to make a BigAss Cap. And…
-
Progress on Le Polonaise AKA The Creature
Trimming the bodice – the left side was done with the roll hem foot and it really “ate” the fabric – the right with a different method. I will need to remove…
-
1770s Polonaise – Progress, but Slowly!
1770s Polonaise – the skirts are drawn up with cords, to create the three partition effect the gown is named for Work on this crazy froofy dress comes in spurts, but now…
-
Review: Heirloom Haircare 18th Century Rouge
I’ve wanted to share this epic 18th century rouge with you for ages, but I haven’t played Georgian dress-up in such a long time! However, last week’s photo shoot presented the perfect…
-
The 1785 Pierrot Jacket – Finished!
Last week I wore my new 1785 Pierrot jacket in our most recent photo shoot for Dunmore 18th century shoes. I’m proud of this outfit for several reasons, not least of all…
-
Shoes of the Revolution – More About “Dunmore” 1770s Shoes
As most of you know, yesterday we opened for pre-order our latest 18th century shoes, “Dunmore,” named for Lady Dunmore, and developed with and for Colonial Williamsburg. “Dunmore” has been a year…
-
Spring Cleaning Sale & “Dunmore” Pre-Order Now Open!
Today’s the day, ladies! It’s time to make space for all the great new stuff coming, so we’ve put all kinds of things on sale in our annual… Spring Cleaning Sale! Antoinette…
-
1770s Powerpuff Polonaise Progress
I’ve been working little by little on the pink polonaise I started last weekend. It’s been incredibly tricky to figure out, but it appears to be working. I re-fit the side pleats…
-
New Project: 1770s Powerpuff Polonaise
I have terrible Costume A-D-D right now. I want to make ALL the 18th century things! It’s good to be inspired, though! I have a trip to Colonial Williamsburg coming up in…
-
1780 Robe Retroussee – My Tribute to Avi
I have always been in love with this 1780s French gown from the Met, one for being a gorgeous gown, but because of the way the photograph was styled with the little…
-
1785 Williamsburg Chintz Pierrot – Progress at Last!
I’ve been so diligently digging into the UFO pile, finishing things left and right, so I decided to pick up this little chintz jacket I started ages ago. Here’s the photo from…
-
Larkin & Smith 1770s English Gown Progress
Last night I finally got back to work on the 1770s English gown. I’d only pleated the back and stitched one side down, before, but here’s what I did last night: It’s…
-
English Gowns of the 18th Century
I’ve had my sewing confidence rattled lately by the utter failure of my Robe a la Turque, so I’m sorely in need of some hand-holding through a project. Enter the Larkin &…
-
Mademoiselle Guimard in Turkish…or Chinese…Costume
In my journey concerning The Turque thus far, I’ve learned that contemporary French terminology surrounding this type of gown, and other orientalist gowns, is fuzzy. Levites, Circassiennes, Polonaises, Turques…they kindof all smoosh…
-
So a Robe a la Turque is What, Exactly…?
In my first post about the Robe a la Turque, I wound up with more questions than I answered, realizing I’d only just peeked into the rabbit hole that is 18th century…
-
18th c. Red Petticoat Re-Fashion
Woot! The first project of 2015 is complete, and piece #1 of my Robe a la Turque is ready. Refashioned red petticoat with apron This petticoat was once a sad, sad tube.…
-
Costume Analytics: What Is a Robe a la Turque Anyway?
It’s been a long time since I’ve done a Costume Analytics, but I’ve found myself entering “new territory” with a type of 18th century gown I *thought* I understood until I took…
-
Embroidered Stomachers of the early 18th Century
Every once in awhile I do some handiwork that I’m then very proud of later, and always glad I took on. Last time, it was an embroidered 18th century pocket, and this…
-
Plannings For A 1740s Scottish Ensemble
I do love me some OL and the show’s been inspiring some Scottish-themed ideas, especially since I “rediscovered” a gorgeous tartan skirt that’s been lurking in my closet the last 11 years,…